PBA welcomes Cabinet Secretary for Fair Work, Skills and Training

5 January 2016

Edinburgh - Roseanna Cunningham MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Fair Work, Skills and Training, has visited the Edinburgh offices of development and infrastructure consultancy Peter Brett Associates (PBA) to learn more about the Practice’s role in supporting major infrastructure projects in Scotland and its engagement with young people pursuing careers in the built environment sector.

The Cabinet Secretary met with PBA directors and staff to discover how the Practice’s work on the business cases for new rail, road and ferries routes, and for City Deals in Glasgow, the Clyde Valley, North Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire are helping to drive economic growth in Scotland. PBA’s portfolio of projects also extends to important education and health-care facilities.

In August 2015, PBA signed up to the Scottish Business Pledge, with a commitment to fair work practices including payment of the living wage, investing in youth, and playing an active role in the community. As a firm that recognises the value of educational opportunities, PBA invests heavily in training and apprenticeships programmes, and engages in community outreach through skill-building activities with S3 and S4 school children.

The practice also takes a leadership role in equality, with a gender-neutral recruitment policy and a career development programme specifically for female employees.

“We are delighted to be able to talk to Cabinet Secretary Cunningham about our work and the training opportunities we offer,” said PBA Equity Director Dougie McDonald. “As the Scottish Government continues to invest in infrastructure, we are proud to play a role in delivering quality services and facilities for Scottish people, which includes supporting and fostering the built environment professionals who can carry on that work in the future.”

“PBA are a good example of a firm who both invest in their workforce through training and treat their staff fairly,” said Cabinet Secretary Cunningham. Paying the living wage and signing the Business Pledge are important ways to indicate a fair work employer, and I hope more firms follow their example over the course of 2016.”